Glossary · updated October 31, 2026
Authority Letter
Also known as: Operating Authority Letter, FMCSA Authority Letter, MC Certificate
By Korey Sharp-Paar · Reviewed by the Fast Trucking Compliance team
Definition
An authority letter is the FMCSA document confirming that a carrier, broker or freight forwarder holds active operating authority - the grant issued once FMCSA has reviewed the application, the protest period has passed and the BOC-3 and insurance filings are on record. Factoring companies, brokers and shippers frequently ask for it to verify status before working with a newly authorized carrier. It is separate from FMCSA’s online records (Motus public search, by USDOT number or company name), which show the current authority status and are what most counterparties check first.
Read more
How to Get Your MC Authority CertificateFMCSA issues a certificate, permit, or license when MC authority is granted. How it arrives, how to get a copy from Motus or FMCSA, and what brokers accept.
Related terms
- Operating Authority
- MC Number(Motor Carrier Number)
- SAFER(Safety and Fitness Electronic Records)